Absences
Each
child is expected to be in attendance regularly and on time. In case of an
absence from school, please call the school by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the
absence or send a written excuse on the day your child returns. In the case of
continued absences without known cause, the case will be investigated by our
social worker. Please be aware that 3 tardies equal 1 absence and 3 early
releases equal I absence.

Accidents
In
case of an accident, first aid is given by authorized, trained school
personnel. In all cases every effort is made to contact the parent. If we
cannot reach a parent, we will use the emergency contact information you have
provided. The school will summon Emergency Medical Services in serious accident
or illness situations if we are unable to contact anyone, and we will notify
you as soon as possible. Updated emergency phone numbers are very important to
have at school for these types of emergencies.

Arrival at School
School
opens at 8:15 a.m. No students should arrive before 8:15 a.m. The building is
not open and adult supervision is not available. Upon arrival your child will
proceed immediately to the courtyard area and SIT in the designated area until
dismissed by an adult. If they are eating breakfast at school, they need to
proceed directly to the cafeteria. Student hours are 8:35 to 2:35.

Bicycles
Riding
bikes to school is a privilege and all rules must be followed or that privilege
will be taken away. Bikes MUST be walked once they are on school property. Bike
racks are provided to secure the bikes during the day. We recommend that
parents register their child’s bike with the police department, keep
a record of serial numbers and provide a lock. The school is not responsible
for loss or damage to bikes. We also ask that you remind your child to wear a
helmet for their safety and to comply with state law.

Breakfast/Lunch Program
The
cafeteria provides a nourishing, well balanced meal each day for the students
and staff. Menus are published and provided to parents once a month.
Breakfast
is served each morning beginning at 8:15 AM for free to all students. School
lunches are $2.00 per day. We encourage you to send in checks to pay for your
child’s lunches. Our computer system allows you to prepay for as many
lunches as you wish. Please find this service at
www.myschoolbucks.com
Applications
for free and reduced lunches are available in the office or at www.applyforlunch.com. If your child is
presently receiving free or reduced lunch, or if your financial status changes
during the year, you are required to submit a new application.

Parents
are welcome to eat lunch with their children. Please be sure to check in with
the school office before going to the cafeteria.

Care of School Property
We
are very proud of our school and equipment. Please encourage your child to take
care of school property. The cooperation of parents and school staff members is
needed to help students learn to respect materials, furnishings, equipment, and
grounds.

Change of Address
It
is necessary that the school office have the current address and phone number
of students at all times. This information is especially important in case of
illness and emergencies. The school should be notified immediately when a
student has changed an address, phone number, or emergency number.

Communication
Student
planners will be sent home every day. All important school information, student
papers, and teacher notes will be placed in the envelope located inside the
front cover. Parents will need to read the contents, sign below the current
day’s date, and return the student planner to school with your child
the following day. Every Tuesday will be Communication Day. Our school
newsletter and other school wide communications will be sent home on
Tuesdays.

Conferences
The
teachers and administration support close communication between parents,
students, and teachers. If you have a question or concern please do not wait
until a teacher calls you. Teachers are available for conferences either in
person or by phone. Conferences may be scheduled by calling the school office
or sending a note to your child’s teacher. Parents may not confer
with teachers during teaching hours. Before going to your conferences, please
sign in at the office and receive a visitor’s pass. If you must
cancel a schedule conference please sign in at the office and receive a
visitor’s pass. If you must cancel a scheduled conference, please
call the office at least 24 hours in advance so another parent conference can
be scheduled. Parents will be asked to attend at least one individual
conference during the year for the purpose of signing the Parent / Student /
Teacher Compact and discussing your child’s progress. Notes can also
be sent to your child’s teacher via e-mail. Log onto www.pcsb.org,
mouse over schools, down to school links, click Sexton Elementary
School’s Web Page, click teachers, and select your child’s
teacher.

Discipline
Our
goal is to provide the best educational environment for your child; therefore,
we expect good behavior. This can be achieved by mutual cooperation of parents,
students, and all school personnel.

We
believe all children can behave appropriately at school. We will not tolerate
interruptions of teacher or learning. And unruly child is not only missing out
on his own education, but is also depriving others of getting theirs. We expect
children to obey and show proper respect to all teachers, classmates, and to
school property.

Each
teacher, working with the students, will develop a set of classroom
expectations. At the beginning of the year a letter is sent home to each
child’s parents explaining the expectations, recognitions, and
consequences each class has developed.

Each
parent will also receive a copy of the “Code of Student
Conduct” which has been adopted by the Pinellas County School Board.
Discipline at school will be administered according to this code.

Do Not Bring To School
Children
are not allowed to bring live animals, gum, candy, or play things to school
except by special permission from the teacher or principal. School is your
child’s first job, and school hours should be spent with school
activities. Teachers are asked to take such items form students and hold them
for the parent to pick up. Note: Any student apprehended with a loaded or
unloaded gun which could be capable of discharging a projectile, including but
not limited to pellet guns and B.B. guns, will be recommended to the
Superintendent for expulsion. This prohibition against firearms on campus includes
the possession of a gun or the storing of a gun in a school facility or on
school grounds and at school sponsored functions. Any student apprehended with
a facsimile of a weapon (toy, replica, etc.) or using same in a threatening
manner shall be subject to a major suspension and / or expulsion. A mandatory
conference is also required with the appropriate Director of School
Operations.

Early Dismissal
On
occasion, it may be necessary for you to pick your child up from school before
2:35 PM for an appointment or an emergency. On such an occasion please come to
the school office. The secretary will contact the teacher with instructions to
send your child to the office. Please DO NOT go directly to your
child’s classroom. In order for a student to be picked up early by
someone other than a parent, their name must be listed on the student
registration form or they must have a note with the parent’s
signature stating they may pick up the student. Students may not be picked up
early from 2:00 to 2:35.
***Students
routinely picked up early will be referred to the school social worker.

Educational Records/The Family
Rights and Privacy Act
The
Family Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law to protect the accuracy and
privacy of your child’s educational records. You may arrange with the
principal to make an appointment to review your child’s
records.

Emergency Drills
In
accordance with state laws: fire, lock down, and tornado drills are held each
month. Each teacher is responsible for instructing students of the exit routes
for these drills. These unannounced rehearsals are necessary for helping
children react quickly and responsibly in instances of emergency.

Field Trips
All
field trips are an extension of what is being studied in the classroom. Trips
are approved by the school principal and the school district. A county approved
permission slip must be signed by a parent before a student can go on a field
trip. Telephone permission is not acceptable and a child without this signed
slip will need to be left behind at school. Often we rely on parents to drive
on these trips. Parents must show proof of insurance in order to transport our
students. Children not registered at school may not accompany volunteers on
school field trips. Volunteers must be registered 3 weeks in advance of
trips.

Head Lice
Since
head lice are contagious, the School Board has adopted a policy to reduce the
spread of lice in schools. When students are found to have lice, parents are
notified and the students involved are sent home. Students are not allowed to
return until they have been treated and no longer contagious. If a student with
live lice does return to school he/she will again be sent home. A child should
be able to return to school within three days if immediate attention is given
to the problem. *NOTE: Please check your children weekly for evidence of nits
or lice. Contact the office if you would like help in the identification of the
problem.*

Health
We
are fortunate to have a full time nurse on staff. She is responsible for
assessing the medical needs of each child referred to the clinic. The clinic is
maintained in the office area for temporary placement of children who become
ill at school. If the child is too ill to return to class after a reasonable
time, we will contact parents to come for him/her. It is very important that we
have a phone number and an emergency number for this purpose. All students
entering school for the first time and all students new to Pinellas County must
have a physical examination, an immunization record, social security number,
and a birth certificate. Children should not be sent to school with any
communicable diseases, fever, or illness. Please keep them at home. All parents
must give the school an emergency number to call in case of a serious accident
or illness. This is a must for your child's protection.

Homework Policy
When
teachers assign homework and students complete the assigned work, higher
student achievement gains are made. Homework also helps children assume
responsibility, teaches self-discipline, and helps to form good study habits. Therefore,
teachers will assign homework on a regular basis. Each grade level will send
notice of the individual schedule and procedures during the first few weeks of
school. Parents should encourage their children to complete the assignments and
return them to school on time. Parents should also read to their child daily or
have their child read to them.

Homework Help Line
Children
are encouraged to call the Homework Helpline for assistance with their homework
between the hours of 4 pm and 8 pm, Monday through Thursday. The phone number
is 547-7223.

Honor Roll
Honor
Roll is established each grading period for students in grades 3-5.

Principal’s
List: All A’s, E’s/V’s or S in effort and work
habits and in Art, Music, and PE.
Honor
Roll: Same criteria as Principal’s List except B’s are
allowed.

Insurance
If
you are interested in securing low cost student accident insurance, forms are
available in the school office.

Lost and Found
A
lost and found box is maintained in the office and with the PE teachers. To
help minimize lost articles, students’ names should be placed on
items of clothing that may be misplaced. At the end of the school year
unclaimed articles are donated to the Homeless Shelter. Children should be
reminded to check with the lost and found box for missing items. Parents are also
welcome to check the lost and found area.

Medication
The
School Board has adopted a policy to provide as much safety as possible when
underlying health problems make it absolutely necessary for students to receive
medication at school.

If
students must receive prescription medication at school, in order for School
Board employees to give it, parents must:

1.
Bring the medication to the school office in the prescription bottle.
2.
Have the appropriate authorization form signed by the parent giving details as
to the time and amount to be given to the child.

For
students to receive NON-PRESCRIPTION medications, parents must:

1.
Bring medication in the original labeled container. It must be readable.
2.
An authorization card must be signed by the PHYSICIAN or DENTIST and
PARENT.
3.
Medication will only be administered when the above rules are followed.

Authorization
forms are available in the school office. It is your child’s
responsibility to remember to come to the office to take his or her
medication.*

Media Center
The
Media Center is an important part of our school. As students check out books,
they are responsible for returning them on time and in good condition. All
overdue books must be returned. We do not charge a fee for overdue books; but
lost books must be paid for by the child. Media hours are Monday –
Friday 9 am to 2 pm.

Money Sent to School
Students
are discouraged from bringing money or other valuables to school. Neither the
teacher nor the school can be held responsible when money or personal items are
lost. If a child must bring money to school be sure it is in a sealed envelope
with the child’s name, his teacher’s name, and its intended
purpose.

Newsletters
Newsletters
are the primary way in which we communicate school wide news and important
dates to you. Please take a few minutes to read the contents of these
newsletters. Newsletters will be made available either in hard copy or
electronically.

PTA
The
PTA officers and board members work hard to develop programs and activities to
keep you interested and involved. The PTA counts on your support. Working
together we can continue to promote a good atmosphere for our
children’s education. Parents and teachers are encouraged to join the
PTA and attend meetings. Attending a PTA meeting is one of the best
opportunities for parents to learn about school activities.

PartiesWellness Guidelines
Sexton
Elementary has been recognized as a Silver Award winner for providing a healthy
environment for teaching by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Therefore,
only two parties are allowed each school year. Please see “Wellness
Guidelines” (page 12) for Pinellas County’s policy on the
types of foods allowed at school.

Placement of Students
The
placement of students at the beginning of the school year is done by the
principal with teacher input. Each placement is considered tentative. Changes
in enrollment may necessitate reassigning students to different classes. Every
effort is made to limit the changes which are made.

Report Cards
Report
cards are sent home at twelve week intervals for the Kindergarten through fifth
graders. Please review each report carefully, and discuss them with your child.
Offer encouragement for areas that have improved along with constructive
comments on how to do better. These reports are only one indication of how your
child is progressing. Others include work samples sent home, interim progress
reports, and most importantly, conferences with your child’s
teacher.
Report
card dates: Grades K – 5: October 28; January 13; March 30; June 7

School Advisory Council
The
SAC is made up of parents, teachers and community members. The major purposes
of this committee are:
1.
To gain knowledge concerning the mission and goals of the school.
2.
To inform parents and community members of school activities and
programs.
3.
To make suggestions concerning program improvements with respect to student
needs and program operation.
4.
To assist in the preparation of the School Improvement Plan and its
evalutation.
Meetings
are held monthly and announced in the school newsletters. All parents and
community members are invited to participate in these open meetings. Contact
the school office for more information.

School Bus
The
school bus driver is in charge of the students on the bus. Students must obey
the driver. The ability of all students to ride the bus is conditional on their
behavior and observance of the rules and regulations. Safety demands complete
cooperation. Misbehavior may result in a suspension of bus riding
privileges.

School Supplies
Students
are expected to come to school prepared for the day. They should bring paper,
pencils, homework, and books. All other instructional materials are provided by
the school. Backpacks make carrying materials to and from school easier, but
they are not required. If you choose to send a backpack with your child, please
make sure it is labeled with your child's name.

School Hours:
8:15
AM - Breakfast in the cafeteria
8:35
AM - Classes begin
2:35
PM - Students are dismissed
***No
students should arrive at school before 8:15 AM as there is no supervision
prior to that time. We appreciate your cooperation ahead of time. ***

School Telephone
Someone
is available to take your call from 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM daily. If you are
calling before or after these hours, an answering machine is available for your
convenience.
Parents
wanting to conduct phone conferences with their child’s teacher are
asked to do so before 8:30 AM and after 2:35 PM. Teachers are with their
classes between 8:15 and 2:35 and are not available for phone conferences
during this time. Students are permitted to use the school phone for
emergencies only. Please make arrangements for rainy days, after school
activities, etc. before your child comes to school.

Student Organizations
Safety
Patrols: Safety Patrol members must be models of good behavior for the entire
student body. Their job is to assist in keeping order on walkways and helping
children cross streets safely while coming to school and returning home.
Student
Council: Student Council members will be actively involved in planning and
coordinating school wide activities and making school wide decisions to solve
problems identified by the students. They will be selected through the election
process in the fall.
National
Elementary Honor Society: The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) offers
the opportunity to recognize and engage outstanding students. NEHS recognizes
excellence in scholarship, focuses on responsibility, and encourages leadership
and service.
Multicultural
Committee: The Student Multicultural Committee consists of 20-25 students with
diverse backgrounds. Teachers from grades 3-5 are invited to nominate two students
from their class to serve on the council. These students need to be good role
models and possess leadership qualities. Through activities members learn about
and gain an appreciation for cultural differences. Members also help plan
activities that enhance tolerance and multicultural education. The committee
meets once a month or more often when needed.

Tardiness
The
first 35 minutes are the most important part of the school day! Being tardy not
only prevents your child from receiving official instruction, it also
interrupts the learning process of other children when your child enters the
classroom late. Please help your child to be here on time. If your child is
late arriving at school, he/she should report to the office before going to
class. This is necessary to prevent your child from being marked absent when
they are actually present.
*Note:
Repeated tardiness will necessitate a phone call and/or letter being sent to
the parent and could result in a referral to the State Attorney’s
Office.*

Textbooks and Materials
Most
classrooms will be using a variety of teaching and learning materials on a
daily basis with the textbook being one of them. Every classroom will have a
supply of traditional textbooks for student use, and parents may request a
child bring home a book for additional study. Books take home will then become
the responsibility of the parent and child. Lost or damaged books will be
assessed a fine that the parent is required to pay.

Trespassing
Students
are not permitted on school grounds after school hours or on the weekends. The
school will not be responsible for students who are on school property without
permission. If this becomes a problem, you will be contacted. Security checks
of the campus are made nightly and on weekends.
Reminder:
Schools are smoke free. No smoking is allowed on our campus.

Visitors
Our
school is a family oriented school and is open to visitation by parents and
other interested persons. If you wish to visit the school or a specific
classroom, please contact the school at least 1 day in advance. Upon your
arrival you are required to sign in at the office. This is our opportunity to
greet you, give you our visitor’s badge, and explain our policies are
procedures. We do regret that preschoolers are not permitted to visit
classes.

Volunteer Program
Working
as a school volunteer can be exciting and fun. Volunteers help to meet the
needs of children in many different ways. You could help with any of the
following activities:
•
Drive on field trips
•
Chaperone on field trips
•
Volunteer in the classroom (as little as 1 hour a week OR as much as you are
able):
•
Work with small groups of children in reading or math
•
Work with 1 student at a time to give extra help
•
Help make materials for the students to use (cut, color, etc.)
•
Help to set up learning centers in the classroom
•
Help to create bulletin boards for the classroom
•
Assist with filing and collating papers
•
Volunteer at home (whenever the teacher needs help or by scheduling a certain
night)
•
Help to find speakers, magazine articles, books, etc. for the unit students are
studying in school.
NOTE:
Volunteers/chaperones for field trips must be registered 3 weeks in advance.
Register to become one of our valuable volunteers by calling our Volunteer
Coordinator today. We look forward to working together as a partner in your
child’s education.

Withdrawing from School
Should
your family find it necessary to move out of our school zone, please follow the
steps below to make withdrawal easier for both you and your child:
1.
Notify the school at least 2 days prior to your child’s last day. You
may call the school or send in a note.
2.
Return all library and textbooks, and pay any fines or loans.
3.
Pick up the appropriate transfer papers from the school office on your
child’s last day.

Y.M.C.A.
The
YMCA provides before and after school care daily from 6:30 AM - 8:15 AM and
from 2:35 PM - 6:00 PM in our school multi-purpose room. Developmental and enrichment
activities are a part of the program as well as an afternoon snack. If you are
interested in having your child participate, you can call 895-9622 for
additional information.

Parent Portal.
The
PCS Portal (https://portal.pcsb.org) is a secure website that provides a way
for you to obtain specific information about your child privately. Parents can
view their child’s: attendance, schedule, assignments, grades, discipline
issues, demographic information, medical information, school messages, school
calendar, teacher email links, and alerts concerning your child. How do you
know if you have a Parent Portal (ParentCONNECT) account already?
You
have a previous ParentCONNECT account if you have done one of the
following:
Ever
used ParentCONNECT to view your child’s grades or attendance.
Ever
used SRS (Student Reservation System) to
change
any of your child’s information, reserved a seat in a school, or
applied for a PCS magnet or fundamental school.
If
you have forgotten your ParentCONNECT username and/or password, visit any
school for assistance.How does a parent obtain an account if they have never
previously had a ParentCONNECT account?
Visit
any school to apply and bring a valid ID
(one
of the following): Driver’s License; State ID card;
Visa
(not the credit card); Military ID; Passport; or
Green
Card
The
school will use our new program, UMRA, to provide a username and password.
Login:
If a new user, a login will be provided by the
school.
If
a previous ParentCONNECT user, your login will be p. (the letter p and a
period) followed by your ParentCONNECT username.
Password:
If you are a new user, your password (a
combination
of upper and lower case letters and
numbers)
will be given to you along with your new login.
If
you are a previous ParentCONNECT user, your password must now be at least six
(6) all capital letters and/or numbers. If your previous ParentCONNECT password
was less than six characters, add to the end
enough
Z’s to equal six characters.

Foods
on Campus: In order to address the growing childhood obesity issue, our school
will not serve or provide access for our students to foods with minimal
nutritional value or to any variety of candy. This includes school
fundraisers.

Snacks
and special events: Parents who would like to send snacks should call the
school office or the classroom teacher to make sure the items are within the
guidelines. All snacks must comply with the district’s nutrition
standards and may not contain any low nutritional candy or dessert type items
(cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pudding, ice cream or frozen desserts, etc.)
With
principal permission, students may be given low nutritional foods, candy items
or other restricted foods only twice during the school year –
Halloween and Valentine’s Day.